15 Dec 2009 |
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Anyone in the state who desires to have an H1N1 flu vaccination can now do so, according to state health officials. Late last week, state experts said conversations with public and private providers and a review of the current vaccine supply, led them to the conclusion “that we are in a position to move forward to include all persons who request vaccine.” An official announcement is expected early this week. Dr. Seth Foldy, state health officer, advised health care providers statewide to continue their concerted efforts to vaccinate segments of the state’s H1N1 high-risk population, including pregnant women, all people under the age of 24 and those with underlying health conditions making them more susceptible to complications from H1N1 infection. Bellin Health already is working quickly to be able to accommodate the expected increase in the number of patients seeking H1N1 vaccination. “We are diligently working to ensure that we are still prepared to serve this potential increase in patient demand for vaccination against H1N1,” said Anne Hale, team leader, Bellin Safety & Security. "Currently, we are encouraging our patients to call their primary care physicians and make appointments to get their H1N1 vaccinations. All of our clinics have H1N1 vaccine." State experts said they also will begin supplying H1N1 vaccine to pharmacies statewide. “Currently in the state of Wisconsin pharmacists can administer vaccines to persons 18 years of age and older,” a notice from the state Department of Health Services said. “It is expected that participating pharmacists will serve as a welcome partner in the administration of the H1N1 vaccine in Wisconsin.”
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